Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard a response from Minister Julie Collins to a question asked by Senator Siewert.

Leave granted.

The answer read as follows—

Dear Senator

I am writing in regards to your question to Senator Evans in regards to Emergency Relief. Senator Evans referred your question to me as this matter falls within my portfolio responsibilities.

Currently there are about 680 organisations receiving Emergency Relief funding and delivering services through about 1,300 outlets.

The Gillard Government has almost doubled funding for emergency relief since we came into Government in 2007. In the 2011-12 Budget, the Government allocated $181.2 million for Emergency Relief over three years.

Emergency Relief assists people in financial crisis to deal with their immediate crisis situation in a way that maintains the dignity of the individual and encourages self-reliance.

Assistance from Emergency Relief providers to clients is primarily in the form of:

The Government recognises that Emergency Relief services are an important gateway to other services and supports that can help people deal with more complex issues, including issues that have contributed to, or are a consequence of, financial stress. For example, Emergency Relief organisations also refer people to services such as financial counselling, financial literacy programs, drug and alcohol support, crisis accommodation, mental health and family support.

Julie Collins MP

Minister for Community Services

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development

Minister for the Status of Women